Morecambe make experienced defender second summer signing

Morecambe have made experienced defender Chris Stokes their second signing of the summer.

The 32-year-old joins on a one year deal after leaving Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock.

During his time at Rugby Park, Chris was part of the Killie side to gain promotion back to the Scottish Premiership at the first time of asking and played an important role in Derek McInnes’ side retaining their Premiership status last season.

With over 350 career appearances behind him, Chris will bring valuable experience to the Mazuma Stadium. With over 150 appearances for Forest Green Rovers, 98 for Coventry City and strong seasons at Bury and Stevenage sandwiched in-between, Stokes has experienced football from Conference level to League One.

In his career, Stokes has been promoted from League two twice: in 2017-2018 with Coventry City through the play-offs as well as in 2018-19 with Bury as League Two runner’s up.

Chris also won the 2016-17 EFL Trophy with Coventry City. Stokes, who boasts 3 promotions in his career has signed a one-year contract at the Mazuma Stadium.

Manager Derek Adams said: “Chris is a player with really important experience that he can add to our group. He has been part of some very big moments for the clubs he has represented and that will be vital to the squad and the club going forward.

“In the last two years Chris was part of a Kilmarnock side that achieved promotion to the Scottish Premiership and then maintained their league status- which isn’t easy- and has also won promotions and trophies earlier in his career.

‘’We are delighted to add him to the group.’’

Chris said, “It’s great to be joining Morecambe FC. I have spent a lot of years in the EFL in my career and Morecambe was always a very difficult place to come to and always a battle and I look forward to being part of a side that will make the Mazuma a difficult place to come to in 2023/24.’’